CNN has a story today on the Real ID act of 2005, which is an effort to create a national database of drivers' license information.

Some states have passed symbolic measures condeming the centralization of what is meant to be in state control, with some going so far as to make compliance illegal.  Other states have passed legislation praising the system...and most states are still somewhere in between.

For citizens of states who do not comply with the program, they'll be required to use a passport for any federal purpose...entering a federal building, boarding a plane...or having a picnic in a national park.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff claims that such requirements are necessary, and that the government has a right to see the IDs of people using federal property, and to basically know that everything is legit.  Chertoff claims that such measures are the only way we can stop terrorism.

I'm sorry...but I already have to show my "government issued photo ID" every time I get on an airplane.  I feel like if I were a terrorist, having to show a little card with my name and picture on it isn't going to stop me.  Many federal buildings already require photo IDs for entry as well.

I seriously don't see the value in making people show photo IDs (especially passports!!) for people entering national parks.  A) I seriously doubt national parks are terrorism targets.  B) The governent actually doesn't have a right to see my ID or passport whenever they decide they feel like it.  C) I seriously doubt that making me show my drivers license or a "national ID" at Yellowstone is going to be any help in the "war on terror," or the global struggle against extremism, or the war on al-Qaeda, or the war on brown people, or whatever we're calling it this week.